Machine for removing curbs from a concrete road



6, 1955 c. 1.. GLEASON 2,715,525

MACHINE FOR REMOVING CURBS FROM A CONCRETE ROAD Filed June 8, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Clarence L. Gleason 4/2 gya/wi wit Aug. 16, 1955 c. GLEASON 2,715,525

MACHINE FOR REMOVING CURBS FROM A CONCRETE ROAD Filed June 8, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 IFHGOZB f/VVf/VTOE Clarence L. Gleason Aug. 16, 1955 c. 1.. GL EASON 2,715,525

MACHINE FOR REMOVING CURBS FROM A CONCRETE ROAD Filed June 8, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 larence L. Gleason Aug. 16, 1955 c. L. GLEASON MACHINE FOR REMOVING CURBS FROM A CONCRETE ROAD 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 8, 1951 2,715,525 Fatentecl Aug. 16, 1955 MACHINE FUR REMOVING CURBS FROM A CONCRETE ROAD Clarence L. Gleason, Ames, Iowa Application June 8, 1951, Serial No. 230,551

3 Claims. (Cl. 262-15) This invention relates generally to concrete breaking machines and in particular to a machine for removing, from a concrete road, curbs integrally formed with the road.

Many of the first paved highways are only about eighteen feet wide and due to increased trafiic and speed i."

are now considered as being too narrow for present day traveling conditions and as a result are being widened. In some sections of the country due to the nature of the soil, such as in Iowa, these initial paved highways were integrally formed with sloped curbs along the sides for controlling the drainage of water to prevent the forming of edge ruts or shoulder cuts. In the widening of these curbed highways from their present width of about eighteen feet, to a new width of about twentyfour feet, it is necessary that the curbs be removed, i

since they project from about four to six inches above the top surface of the highway. This removal has generally been accomplished by hand machines so that not only was the curb removing operation one of fatigue and inconvenience to the workmen, but the overall cost of the widening operation was appreciably increased due to the time involved and the discontinuance of a normal use of the highway.

It is an object of this invention, therefore, to provide an improved machine for removing curbs integrally formed with a concrete road.

A further object of this invention is to provide a machine for removing curbs integrally formed with a concrete road which is capable of progressively removing the curb as the machine is advanced on the road,

and adapted to be continuously operated by unskilled workmen without excessive fatigue or inconvenience to the workmen.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a curb removing machine which requires only one half of the normal width of the highway during its operation so that one-way traflic on the highway being repaired can be easily and safely maintained during a highway widening operation.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a curb removing machine which is eflicient in operation and capable of removing a curb, during a road widening operation, at a rate commensurate with the laying of the widened portion of the road whereby to expedite the overall project.

Further objects, features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of the machine of this invention with the curb removing apparatus thereof shown in a transport position;

Fig. 2 is a rear elevational view of the machine with the curb removing apparatus therefor shown in a working position;

Figs. 3 and 4 are enlarged detail sectional views taken along the lines 33 and 44, respectively, in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a detail perspective View of the curb removing apparatus which forms a part of the machine of this invention;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional detail view taken along the line 66 in Fig. 5; and

Figs. 7 and 8 are diagrammatic views showing the application of the curb removing hammer on the curb to be removed.

With reference to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings the curb removing machine of this invention is illustrated as including a main frame 10 provided with rear wheels 11 and front steering wheels 12. Mounted on the frame is a combination engine and air compressor unit, indicated generally at 13, the compressor of which is operatively associated with an air motor 14 for driving the rear traction wheels 11. The air motor 14 is connected in a driving relation with the rear wheels 11 through suitable power transmission means (not shown). Air from the compressor unit 13 is also delivered to an air tank 16 for a purpose to appear later.

The curb removing apparatus for the machine is indicated generally at 17 (Figs. 1 and 2) and includes a beam member 18 and an air cylinder 19 operatively associated with a piston 21. The beam 18 is of a substantially I-shape in transverse cross section and is pivotally supported for horizontal swinging movement in an upright position, intermediate the ends thereof, on an upright king bolt 20 carried on the frame 10 at what will be termed the right rear corner of the frame.

As a result the beam 18 is swingable or pivotally movable in a horizontal plane to a first position extended longitudinally along the right hand side of the frame 10, as shown in Fig. 1, and to a second position extended transversely of the main frame 10 such that the end section 22 thereof overhangs the frame, namely, extends laterally outwardly from the right hand side of the frame 10.

in this transverse position of the beam 18 its opposite end section 23 is received in a straddled relation between the legs 29 of a stop member 24 of a channel shape in transverse cross section, rigidly secured to and extended transversely of the frame 19 in an upright position, across the rear end of the frame 10. The beam 18 is retained within the stop member 24 by dowel or locking pins 26 extended through corresponding aligned openings 27 formed in the legs 28 and 29 of the beam 18 and stop member 24, respectively. The stop member 24, in conjunction with the locking pins 26 thus holds the beam 18 against horizontal swinging movement. It is to be noted further that the reception of the beam section 23 within the stop member 24 also supports the overhanging beam section 22 against any up and down movement by Virtue of the bearing engagement between the adjacent legs 28 and 29 of the beam member 18 and stop member 24, respectively.

The free end 25 of the overhanging section 22 (Figs. 2 and 4) carries a downwardly extended support member 31 comprised essentially of two upright plate members 32 spaced transversely of the beam 18. The head end 33 of the cylinder 19 is provided with a bearing member 34 which is received between the spaced plates 32. A pivot pin 36 extended through the bearing member 34 and a pair of oppositely arranged holes 37 formed in the upright plates 32 supports the cylinder 19 for up and down pivotal movement.

What will be referred to as the working end 38 of the cylinder 19 is suitably secured as by welding or like means to a yoke member 39 of an inverted U-shape (Figs. 5 and 6). The yoke member 39 is vertically movable between a pair of guides 41 connected to, and extended downwardly from the beam 18 at a position spaced inwardly from the upright plates 32, and with the guides 41 being spaced transversely of the beam 18 so as to vertically guide the pivotal up and down movement of the cylinder 19; Suitable wear or friction plates 42 are secured to the inner sides of the guides 41 for bearing engagement with corresponding leg sections 43 of the yoke member 39.

Attached to the base section 44 of the yoke 39 is a support member 45 to which is secured a lift arm 47. The support member 45 extends transversely of the beam 18, and the lift arm 47 extends longitudinally of the beam 18, in a direction toward the main frame of the machine.

The free or inner end of the lift arm 47 (Figs. 5 and 6) carries a pin 48 arranged transversely of the beam 18 and having its opposite ends 49 projected outwardly from opposite sides of the lift arm 47. A pair of cablesSi, arranged in a straddling relation with the beam 18, have their lower ends 52 secured to the projected ends 49 of the pin 48 and their upper ends 53 connected to the opposite ends of a cross member 54 secured to the upper end of a lift piston 56, the cylinder 57 for which is mounted directly, and in an upright position, on the top side 58 of the beam 18. The cylinder 57 is of a single acting type, and is manually supplied with oil under pressure for extending the piston 56 in a well known manner, with the oil supply line being indicated at 59. Thus on actuation of the piston 56 the cylinder 19 is pivoted relative to the pivot 36 and. is both vertically guided, and positively maintained against sidewise or horizontal movement, by the function of the guides 41. When the machine is in transport a pin 61 (Fig. 5) extended through lugs 60 and 63 carried on the beam 18 and lift arm 47, respectively, positively locks the cylinder 19 against any pivotal movement.

The piston 21 for the cylinder 19 moves outwardly from the cylinder working end 38 in a direction inwardly of the overhanging beam section 22 and toward the vehicle frame 10. The free end of the piston 21 carries a hammer 62 having a detachable head member 65 on whichis mounted a curb engaging member 64.

The curb engaging member 64 (Figs. 5 and 7) is of a substantially rectangular block shape extended transversely of the beam 18 and has the inner or front side 66 thereof terminating at its lower edge in a shearing or striking edge 67. The striking edge 67 extends transversely of the beam 18 over the full length of the curb engaging member 64 so as to be positioned longitudinally of the curb to be removed. It is to be further noted that the edge 67 lies in substantially the horizontal plane of the axis of the piston 21.

In order to maintain the striking edge 67 in a substantially horizontal plane the piston 21 is provided with a non-rotating device which includes a guide rod 71 (Figs. 5 and 6) secured to an upright block member 72 connected between the cylinder working end 38 and the base section 44 of the yoke 39. The rod 71 extends from the block member 72 in a parallel relation with and in the same direction as the lift arm 47 and is slidably extended through an upright bearing member 73 carried on the hammer 62. The hammer 62 and piston 21 are thus held against rotational movement relative to the cylinder 19 to in turn provide for the horizontal disposition at all times of the striking or shearing edge 67.

The cylinder 19 is of double acting type and air under pressure is supplied thereto through air lines 76 and 77 (Figs. 1 and 2) which are suitably extended along the beam 18 for. connection to a'valve control unit, indicated generally at 78, which in turn is connected to the air supply tank 16 through means including the pipe line 79.

- The valve control unit 78 is provided with a control lever 80 actuation of which provides for the reciprocal movement of the piston 21 within the cylinder 19.

In the use of the machine of this invention a road 81 (Figs. 7 and 8) is illustrated as including an integrally formed sloped curb 82. The shoulder of the road 81 is formed with a trench 84 along the outside of the curb 82 to a depth providing for a free movement of the hammer head 62 transversely of the trench 84 and for the location of the striking edge 67 of the curb engaging member 64 at substantially the level of the top side 87 of the road 81. To arrange the piston 21 for reciprocal movement transversely of the trench 84, the vehicle 10 is positioned on the right hand side of the road 81 for travel on the road in a usual manner. When the machine is thus positioned, the beam 18 extends transversely outwardly from the curb 82 and across the trench 84.

On manipulation of the valve control. lever 80 the piston 21 is projected in a direction toward the curb 82 to provide for the application of a striking or impact force on that portion of the curb 82 being removed at a position substantially at the level 87 of the road 81.. This striking position is set by the adjustment of the cylinder 19 through the actuation of the lift piston 56. The movement of the hammer 62 to a position which would engage the side 89 of the road 81 is defined by the length of the piston 21, with suitable cushioning means (not shown) being provided to stop the outward movement of the piston 21.

On retraction of the piston 21 within the cylinder 19,'

after a portion of the curb 82 has been removed, the machine is advanced on the road 81 through operation of the air motor 13 to locate the hammer 62 opposite an unbroken portion of the curb 82. The curb removing operation is then repeated.

In one embodiment of the invention the hammer 62 weighs about two-hundred and fifty pounds, and applies a blow of about ten thousand foot pounds, which has been found sufiicient to break through a thickness of about one foot of concrete; The weight of the overhanging beam section 22, cylinder 19, piston 21 and hammer 62 is counter-acted by the provision of a weight carried on the left rear corner of the main frame 10. The curb is removed in portions about one foot long, so that between striking operations the machine is progressively advanced about one foot along the high way. As a result, the curb removing operation is pro-- gressive over the full length of the curb 82, and with the machine being stopped only when the impact force on the curb is being applied, namely, when the piston 21 is being extended.

The operator of the curb removing apparatus 17, also controls the road movement of the machine and the adjustment of the cylinder 19. This operator occupies the seat indicated at 91 (Figs. 1 andZ) which is arranged so as to give him full observation of the curb portions being removed. The steering of the machine is done by a second operator who occupies the seat indicated at 92. Since the second operator has only the job of guiding the road movement of the machine by alternating the duties of the two operators, the machine can be maintained in substantially continuous operation without undue fatigue to either operator.

Although the invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited since changes can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A machine for removing curbs from a concrete road comprising a main frame, a horizontal beam member, means pivotally supporting said beam member on said frame for movement to a first position extended transversely of said frame and to a second position arranged longitudinally along one side of said frame, said beam in said first position having one end projected outwardly from a side of said frame, .a cylinder arranged below said projected beam end in a substantially parallel relation with said beam, support means depending from said beam for supporting said cylinder, a piston for said cylinder movable outwardly from said cylinder in a direction toward said main frame, a hammer carried on the free end of said piston at a position below said main frame, a curb engaging portion on said hammer, and means for operating said piston, with said machine being positioned on the road to provide for said curb engaging portion striking the curb from the outside of the road.

2. A machine for removing curbs formed integral with a concrete road comprising a main frame, a transversely extended beam mounted on said frame with one end section projected outwardly from one side of said frame, a cylinder positioned longitudinally of and below said projected section and below said main frame, support means depending from said beam and operatively associated with said cylinder for adjustably supporting the cylinder from the beam for up and down movement relative thereto, a piston for said cylinder movable outwardly therefrom toward said frame, a head member at the free end of said piston having a curb engaging portion extended in one direction transversely of said cylinder, means for adjusting said cylinder to locate said curb engaging portion in substantially the plane of the top surface of said roadway, guide means carried by said cylinder for maintaining said curb engaging portion extended in said one direction transversely of said cylinder in all adjusted positions of the cylinder, and means for operating said piston, with said projected end section, in the operation of the machine, being positioned transversely of the road and to the outside of the curb to be removed.

3. A machine for removing a curb integrally formed with a concrete road comprising, a main frame, a transverse beam member mounted on said frame and projected outwardly from one side thereof, a cylinder positioned below and in a parallel relation with said beam and below said main frame, a piston for said cylinder extendible therefrom in a direction toward said frame, means for operating said piston, a hammer on the free end of said piston having a horizontal curb engaging portion extended transversely of said beam, guide means carried by said cylinder for maintaining said curb engaging portion in positions extended transversely of said beam, and means depending from said beam adjustably supporting said cylinder on said beam to position said curb engaging portion in substantially the plane of the top surface of the road, with said cylinder and piston, during a curb removing operation, being located to the outside of the curb being removed and extended transversely of said curb.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 289,742 Wilverth Dec. 4, 1883 1,332,689 Rommerdale Mar. 2, 1920 1,511,880 Gest Oct. 14, 1924 1,541,392 Reaney June 9, 1925 1,731,984 Reaney Oct. 15, 1928 1,804,360 Magee May 5, 1931 1,926,042 Gartin Sept. 12, 1933 2,002,762 Badcon May 28, 1935 2,286,521 Walter June 16, 1942 2,335,172 Cornett Nov. 23, 1943 2,429,728 McMurty Oct. 28, 1947 2,587,969 Cornett Mar. 4, 1952 

